Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Prairie Spirit Trail 100K...

A few weeks ago, Ken ran the Prairie Spirit Trail 100K.  That's right, Ken, the non-runner, ran a race.  Not just a race, but an ultra.  Remember when we were in Moab and I posted a picture of us out running together?

Running 10 miles in Moab


Ken decided he wanted to run an ultra, so he registered, trained, and ran the 100K.  That is 62 miles for you non-running folks.  This was his first ever race too.  Yeah, my non-running husband chose a 100K for his first ever race.  

We left Kansas City and drove to Ottawa on Friday, and stopped off at a new brewery in town.  We went to the packet pick-up and pre-race meal, where we met Erin and Sean, who were both running the race.  Erin also recognized us from reading my blog, Hi Erin!!!  Afterward, we called it an early night, as the racer needed to get his beauty sleep.

Race #311 is ready!  Who is that in the background???

Miss Kya joined us and loved staying in the hotel.


We woke up early the next morning and drove to Celebration Hall for the pre-race details and start of the race.

Ken was ready to roll!


Ken's official pre-race photo

Kya and me at the race start.  I am pretty sure she is hoping and praying that her daddy drops a piece of his bagel.  A girl can dream.


Soon enough, the racers were off and Kya and I were off to Starbucks, because that is how we roll.  We immediately drove to Princeton to wait at the first aid station.  We both napped a bit and as the sun began to rise, we realized that it was snowing.  Ken came into the first aid station and was thrilled to see us.

Ken arriving in Princeton

Ken running as the sun rises. Those long legs sure make running look easy.


We refilled his water and snacks and he was on his way.  Kya and I drove to Richmond, the next aid station.  It was cold and still snowing, but we went out on the trail for a walk.  

Kya checking out the trail on her walk with mom. 


Ken in Princeton, shoveling in more food.

An official photo of Ken on the trial.  Isn't the trail beautiful?


After Princeton, Kya and I arrived in Garnett.  I worked on a little homework while Kya napped.  We had a great system in place as co-crew members.  Ken arrived at the Garnett depot, which was the scene of my meltdown in 2017.  Boy, that place looks different in the daylight.  I gave him some fresh gloves and snacks and he was on his way to Welda.  In Welda, Mike and Katie were meeting us so that they could help pace him.  

He was on his way and I met up with Mike and Katie for a little lunch in Garnett.  Can I just take a moment to talk about what wonderful friends Mike and Katie are?  They did not hesitate to come out and support Ken.  They were so excited to come out to help!  

Once in Welda, Mike took off with Ken for the first stretch of pacing, which was nine miles.  

Ken stopping off in Garnett, inbound from Welda.


Ken and Mike arrived in Garnett, with Ken looking strong and all smiles.  Ken and Katie took off for the next 8.5 miles to Richmond.  The rest of us drove to Richmond to anxiously await their arrival.

Kya and me waiting for Ken in Richmond.  We bundled up and took a little Theo nap while we waited.  

While we were waiting in Richmond, Michelle text me and told me she and Rob were on their way!  That's right, Rob and Michelle drove down to wish Ken well.  We have some pretty wonderful friends.  Ken and Katie arrived in Richmond and Ken was still all smiles!  He was thrilled to see Rob and Michelle.

Ken with his crew of pacers.  Nevermind that Mike looks like a serial killer.  


I was off to pace Ken for the next 13 miles.  I was so excited that it was finally my turn to pace.  Ken has always been so supportive of me during all of my events, that I was thrilled to be able to do the same for him.  

He was still in great spirits while we ran along.  He only got mad at me once when I turned my rap music up a little too high.  I thought it was encouraging, but I guess not!  

Pacing at sunset


Darkness set in and so did a wee bit of confusion.  It was not anything too crazy, but Ken did say that he understood the issue with my sock when I ran the 100 miler.  Delirium is real folks.  We kept pushing and soon enough, we were back in Ottawa and saw the lights to the finish line.  Ken ran ahead and was officially an ultra finisher!  He finished his first ever race, a 100K in 15 hours and 43 minutes!  I was so proud of him!

So proud!


Mike and Katie were waiting at the finish line with a fresh beer for Ken.  

He did such an amazing job, not only on the day of the race but with all of his training.  He worked his butt off training for this race.


Angel hopes that Uncle Ken runs more ultras for all the naps.  


Champagne to celebrate!  


You might be wondering what is next?  Well, Ken is unsure what he will do next, but is considering a 100 miler or maybe a mountain 50 miler?  I have a 100 miler planned for September and we both have a 100 mile hike in the Alps planned for July.  Cheers!